Norman, Oklahoma – Atlanta Hawks point guard and University of oklahoma alumnus Trae Young will serve as the guest picker on ESPN’s College GameDay this Saturday. The highly anticipated broadcast will originate from the South Oval on the OU campus, adding to the excitement surrounding the Sooners’ upcoming clash with the University of Michigan.
A Return to Norman for a Basketball Icon
Table of Contents
- 1. A Return to Norman for a Basketball Icon
- 2. Historic Showdown Looms for the Sooners
- 3. The Growing Trend of Athlete Involvement in College Football Coverage
- 4. Frequently Asked Questions about Trae young and College GameDay
- 5. What specific passing records does Dillon Gabriel hold that contribute to his national recognition?
- 6. OU Star Highlights as ESPN College Gameday Guest for Michigan-oklahoma Game
- 7. Dillon Gabriel’s Gameday Role: Beyond the Quarterback
- 8. Why Dillon Gabriel? The Rise of an OU Icon
- 9. College GameDay Impact: boosting Oklahoma’s Visibility
- 10. Predictions and Potential Picks: What to Expect from Gabriel
- 11. The michigan-Oklahoma Rivalry: A New Chapter
- 12. Beyond the Picks: Gabriel’s role as an Ambassador
- 13. Historical College GameDay Guest Picker Successes
- 14. Were to Watch: College GameDay Details
- 15. Key Search Terms:
Young, who captivated Sooner Nation during his electrifying 2017-2018 season, expressed his enthusiasm for the prospect. “I’m ready to set the tone, we certainly know what we gotta do,” Young stated in a video released by College gameday. His college career saw him average an notable 27.4 points and 8.7 assists per game, earning him All-American honors and leading Oklahoma to an NCAA Tournament appearance.
The selection of Young continues a tradition of prominent guests joining the GameDay crew. Last year, when the show visited Norman for the game against Tennessee, country music star Blake Shelton fulfilled the role of guest picker.
Historic Showdown Looms for the Sooners
This year’s GameDay appearance coincides with a crucial contest for the Oklahoma Sooners. They are slated to face off against the Michigan Wolverines later Saturday evening, with kickoff scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on ABC. This game represents a meaningful opportunity for Oklahoma to demonstrate their progress under Head Coach Brent Venables and solidify their position among college football’s elite programs.
According to recent data from the NCAA, Oklahoma’s football program boasts a historic winning percentage of .621, ranking among the top 25 programs nationwide. Michigan, meanwhile, holds a .738 winning percentage, placing them among the top ten.
| Team | winning Percentage (All-Time) | Conference |
|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma Sooners | .621 | Big 12 |
| Michigan Wolverines | .738 | Big Ten |
Did You Know? Trae Young was the fifth overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, marking a significant milestone for the University of Oklahoma basketball program.
Beyond the game,the presence of a player like Young is expected to energize the Sooner faithful and create a memorable atmosphere in Norman. His connection to the university and triumphant transition to the professional ranks make him a compelling figure for fans.
Pro tip: Want to catch all the action? ESPN’s college GameDay typically begins at 9:00 AM ET on Saturdays, with the guest picker segment usually taking place around 10:40 AM ET.
The Growing Trend of Athlete Involvement in College Football Coverage
The selection of athletes like Trae Young as guest pickers represents a growing trend in college football broadcasting. Networks are increasingly recognizing the value of bringing in former players and current stars to offer unique perspectives and engage with fans. This approach adds a layer of authenticity and excitement to pre-game coverage, bridging the gap between the professional and collegiate levels of the sport.
This type of crossover appeal is becoming more common across sports, as networks strive to attract wider audiences and capitalize on the star power of well-known athletes. Data from Nielsen indicates that broadcasts featuring prominent athlete guests frequently enough see a significant increase in viewership.
Frequently Asked Questions about Trae young and College GameDay
- What is Trae Young’s connection to the University of Oklahoma? Trae young played basketball for the Oklahoma Sooners during the 2017-2018 season, where he became an All-American and led the team to the NCAA Tournament.
- When and where will Trae Young be on College GameDay? He will be appearing on the show this saturday, September 5th, from the South Oval on the OU campus in Norman, Oklahoma.
- What time does the Oklahoma-Michigan game start? Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on ABC.
- Who was the guest picker last year when College GameDay visited Norman? Blake Shelton served as the guest picker during the 2023 broadcast.
- Is this a significant game for Oklahoma? Yes, the game against Michigan represents a major opportunity for Oklahoma to demonstrate their progress and compete against a traditional football powerhouse.
- What are the benefits of having former athletes on College GameDay? It adds authenticity, unique insights, and broadens appeal to a wider audience.
- Where can I find more facts about the Oklahoma Sooners football program? Visit the official University of Oklahoma athletics website: https://soonersports.com/
What are your predictions for the oklahoma-Michigan game? share your thoughts in the comments below!
What specific passing records does Dillon Gabriel hold that contribute to his national recognition?
OU Star Highlights as ESPN College Gameday Alex Reed for Michigan-oklahoma Game
Dillon Gabriel’s Gameday Role: Beyond the Quarterback
Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Dillon Gabriel is set to be a prominent guest picker on ESPN’s College GameDay ahead of the highly anticipated matchup against the Michigan Wolverines on September 7th, 2025.This appearance signifies not only Gabriel’s individual star power but also the national spotlight on the Sooners as they enter the SEC conference. Fans are eager to see his insights and predictions for the week’s college football action, particularly the Oklahoma vs. Michigan game.
Why Dillon Gabriel? The Rise of an OU Icon
Dillon Gabriel’s selection as College GameDay guest picker is a testament to his performance and leadership within the Oklahoma football program. Here’s a breakdown of his key achievements:
Record-Breaking Passing: Gabriel consistently ranks among the nation’s leaders in passing yards and touchdowns. His ability to read defenses and deliver accurate throws makes him a formidable opponent.
Leadership Qualities: Coaches and teammates consistently praise Gabriel’s leadership both on and off the field. He’s known for his work ethic and dedication to the team.
National Recognition: Gabriel has garnered numerous accolades, including All-big 12 honors and consideration for national awards. This recognition elevates his profile and makes him an attractive guest for major broadcasts like College GameDay.
SEC Transition Focus: With Oklahoma’s move to the SEC, Gabriel represents the program’s ambition and readiness for the increased competition. His presence on GameDay helps build excitement around this new chapter.
College GameDay Impact: boosting Oklahoma’s Visibility
Being featured on ESPN’s College GameDay provides important benefits for the Oklahoma Sooners football program:
National Exposure: The show reaches millions of viewers across the country, increasing awareness of the team and its players.
Recruiting Advantage: Exposure on GameDay can attract top recruits who wont to play on a nationally recognized stage.
Fan Engagement: The show generates excitement and enthusiasm among fans, boosting ticket sales and merchandise revenue.
Brand Building: college gameday helps solidify Oklahoma’s brand as a premier college football program.
Predictions and Potential Picks: What to Expect from Gabriel
While the exact nature of Gabriel’s picks remains to be seen, analysts predict he’ll lean towards upsets and highlight the strengths of the Sooners. Key games he’ll likely be asked about include:
- oklahoma vs. Michigan: expect Gabriel to emphasize Oklahoma’s offensive firepower and defensive improvements.
- SEC Showdowns: He’ll likely offer insights into other key SEC matchups, given Oklahoma’s new conference affiliation.
- National Championship Contenders: Gabriel may weigh in on teams he believes have a legitimate shot at the College Football Playoff.
- Upset Potential: College GameDay frequently enough features picks for potential upset victories, and Gabriel could identify a few overlooked teams.
The michigan-Oklahoma Rivalry: A New Chapter
The matchup between Oklahoma and Michigan is particularly compelling due to its historical importance and the contrasting styles of play.Michigan’s traditionally strong running game will be tested against Oklahoma’s dynamic passing attack. This game is considered a key early-season test for both programs and a potential preview of a College Football Playoff matchup. The College GameDay coverage will undoubtedly highlight this rivalry and the storylines surrounding it.
Beyond the Picks: Gabriel’s role as an Ambassador
Dillon Gabriel’s appearance isn’t just about football predictions. Its an prospect for him to represent the University of Oklahoma and showcase the program’s values. He’ll likely discuss his personal journey, his commitment to academics, and his involvement in community service. This broader depiction adds another layer of value to his College GameDay appearance.
Historical College GameDay Alex Reed Picker Successes
Looking back, several guest pickers have accurately predicted key outcomes, adding to the show’s intrigue. While not a guarantee of success, a guest picker’s football acumen and understanding of the game can influence the narrative. Notable examples include:
2018 – Baker Mayfield (Oklahoma): Mayfield’s energetic and confident picks were a hit with fans.
2020 – Trevor Lawrence (Clemson): Lawrence provided insightful analysis and accurate predictions.
2022 – Caleb Williams (USC): Williams’ appearance generated significant buzz and showcased his rising star power.
Were to Watch: College GameDay Details
Date: September 7th, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM ET
Channel: ESPN
location: Ann Arbor, Michigan (University of Michigan Campus)
Streaming: ESPN+ and the ESPN app.
Key Search Terms:
* dillon Gabriel
